[2026] Iconic musical numbers: from the latest releases to timeless classics!

Good KidRob Rokicki

The Lightning Thief (Original Cast Recording): 9. Good Kid (Audio)

The song crafted by American composer Rob Rokicki is a number from the Broadway musical The Lightning Thief that portrays the inner feelings of the protagonist, Percy Jackson.

Released in May 2019, it tells the story of a boy who, after attending six different schools in six years, is consumed by loneliness.

Blending pop/rock elements with lyrics that convey the protagonist’s struggles, the piece resonates not only with musical theater fans but with a broad audience.

It has been performed at music events such as 54 Below and holds an important place in Rob Rokicki’s body of work.

It’s a recommended track for anyone who wants to immerse themselves in the world of the musical or is looking for lyrics that truly hit home.

Ya Got TroubleMeredith Willson

The Music Man “Ya Got Trouble”

A masterpiece crafted by Meredith Willson that shines brilliantly in musical theater history.

Hailing from Iowa, he unveiled it in 1957 in The Music Man: a signature patter song performed as the con man Harold Hill deftly persuades the townspeople.

Its rhythmic, rapid-fire delivery has been hailed as a precursor to early rap—and even earned high praise from Stephen Sondheim.

The work won the 1958 Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album, and Robert Preston left a definitive performance in the 1962 film adaptation.

Its cultural impact is broad, from quotations in the animated series My Little Pony to parodies on The Simpsons.

Highly recommended for those who appreciate sharp dialogue and persuasive expression.

Popular

Show Clip – Wicked – “Popular” – Original Cast

This is the song “Popular” from the musical Wicked.

Its humor-filled lyrics delight listeners.

With its cute melody, it’s a tune that makes your heart dance.

It’s memorable for the way a girl lightly sings about how to become popular.

Only to meNiizuma Seiko

Only for me (from “Elisabeth”)

It’s the main number from the musical Elisabeth and a cry from Empress Elisabeth’s soul.

Many women likely see themselves in her as she battles the old order of the imperial court.

The song “Only Me” (Watashi Dake ni) carries the wish to live true to oneself.

You Can’t Stop the BeatHairspray National Tour 2010

You Can’t Stop the Beat – Hairspray National Tour 2010

This is the ultimate dance music that screams “This is the USA!”—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that gets everyone hyped.

“You Can’t Stop the Beat” is featured in the acclaimed musical Hairspray, which vacuum-seals the glamorous worldview of America’s rock ’n’ roll golden age.

With its setting and title evoking Grease, this irresistibly bright and joyful coming-of-age song isn’t just about carefree optimism; it shines with the spirit of people who choose to enjoy life despite everything, fully aware of the social backdrop and the struggles of youth.

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Masuda Bunka

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Think of MeEmmy Rossum

Think of Me – Emmy Rossum | Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera Soundtrack (Movie Clip)

“Think of Me” is the signature song of Christine, the heroine of The Phantom of the Opera.

It is sung in a moving scene where she rises from the background chorus to the leading role, and the lyrics reflect the life she has walked to reach this moment.

The soprano’s dazzling high notes and technique are also not to be missed.

Music of the nightAndrew Lloyd Webber

Norm Lewis & Sierra Boggess Perform The Music of the Night | The Phantom of the Opera

This work beautifully and solemnly portrays the sorrow of the Phantom who lurks deep beneath the opera house and the songstress Christine.

Written as a novel by the French author Gaston Leroux in 1909, the original story has inspired numerous musicals and films.

This song is the most famous piece from The Phantom of the Opera, expressing the Phantom’s fervent feelings for Christine.

The charm of musical theatre—its speech-like, narrative singing—can be fully savored in this piece!

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HATSUMI

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